Cervical Fusion

Advanced Spine Center

Stephen P. Courtney, MD

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon located in Plano, TX

Pain, numbness, or tingling in the neck that extends into your arms or hands isn’t just annoying — these symptoms can prevent you from exercising, enjoying your favorite hobbies, and working. Find relief with a visit to Advanced Spine Center in Plano, Texas. Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Stephen Courtney, MD, has more than 20 years of experience performing minimally invasive cervical fusion surgeries to relieve neck, arm, and hand pain and discomfort. Find out about your treatment options by calling Advanced Spine Center or booking a consultation online today.

Cervical Fusion Q & A

When is cervical fusion recommended?

Dr. Courtney may recommend cervical fusion if you’ve tried conservative treatments, including anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, without success. The type of surgery he suggests is based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health.

Dr. Courtney could recommend cervical fusion if you have:

Herniated cervical discs

Cervical disc disease

Degenerative joint disease

Spinal stenosis

Cervical spondylolisthesis

Arthritis

Cervical radiculopathy

To determine if cervical fusion is right for you, Dr. Courtney discusses your symptoms with you during a consultation and an extensive orthopedic exam. Dr. Courtney could refer you for X-rays or an MRI as well.

What happens during cervical fusion?

Before your cervical fusion procedure, Dr. Courtney explains how to prepare, what happens during surgery, and what to expect in recovery. You might need to avoid taking certain medications like blood thinners before your surgery to prevent complications.

Cervical fusion includes three steps. First, Dr. Courtney removes the damaged disc or discs. He uses small, minimally invasive surgical tools to avoid disturbing surrounding structures, which decreases trauma to the tissues and aids in recovery.

Next, he inserts a surgical cage. The surgical cage is filled with medical-grade bone putty from donor tissue. The cage helps to maintain the space between your vertebrae where the disc is removed.

Finally, Dr. Courtney applies a plate to the front of your vertebrae above and below the surgical cage. The plate is attached with screws for stability, protecting the area as it heals and providing long-term structural integrity.

How long does it take to recover from cervical fusion?

Your cervical fusion surgery will last 1-3 hours, depending upon the number of discs removed. Dr. Courtney and his team care for you in a recovery room. You’ll stay in the hospital for about a day before returning home to complete your recovery, which takes 2-6 weeks.